BREATHING GRATITUDE

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away” – Maya Angelou

On July 26, 2013, my life changed dramatically causing my view and vision of who I was and what I wanted from life to radically shift.

I had been focused on balancing career and taking care of my family. I was like a machine: going through the motions quickly and efficiently to ensure the ship I ran sailed smoothly; everything was neatly planned out and organized on the “To Do” list and on the family calendar.

For several days I had been tired and out of breath. I had had a pain in my chest that I thought was heartburn as well as pain up and down my left side that spread up to my jaw. I felt like I was gasping for breath. I ignored the pain and assumed the symptoms were a result of burning the candle at both ends. I was healthy, ate well, and exercised daily; I was a regular platelet donor and appeared to be the epitome of good health.

I remember the look of worry on my husband’s face as he convinced me to go to the ER (Yes: he had to convince me to go) and I am thankful for his persistence: I was having a pulmonary embolism.

After being released from the hospital, I knew I things had to change and that there was more to life than climbing the corporate ladder and working long hours. I decided to start living my life in gratitude.

Nearly five years later, I am still thankful and grateful to my friends and family for the support and encouragement by telling me to slow down, rest, and enjoy life.

Nearly five years later, I am still thankful and grateful for a chance to make a difference, help others, to reconnect, and mend broken fences.

Nearly five years later, I am still thankful and grateful for the opportunity to have a second chance; to stop and look at what life is all about; to think about where I’ve been and the opportunities that lay before me.

Nearly five years later, I haven’t forgotten to take time to be grateful and to live each day in the moment and to its fullest potential.

Each day presents a gift and a blessing that never fails to take my breath away.